Drainage of persistent seroma is indicated

York Jay Yates, MD answers: Recurring seroma formation after Tummy Tuck?

I had a Tummy Tuck on 10/2008 and a re-do on 3/2009. Many years previous to the Tummy Tuck, I had abdominal Liposuction and apparently, there was scar tissue inside me because of it and this may have caused me to develop 3 large seromas, one with a 1 cm thick wall around it.

Now, 9 weeks after my last Tummy Tuck, I am developing swelling and a terrible tightness that is symptomatic of the same problem I had before (seroma formation). The doctor said today that this is just scar tissue from all my procedures, but he did agree to order an ultrasound to look to see what is in there.

I am in Europe and I'm wondering what you'd do for this in the USA? This pulling and tightness is awful. Every time I sit down and have to stand up I feel like I have hundreds of runner elastics contracting inside of me. I can't stand to be like this for much longer. Please give me your advice! Thanks.


York Jay Yates, MD
6 months ago
By York Jay Yates, MD - Ogden Plastic Surgeon

 If the ultrasound confirms a seroma, it will likely require drainage 9 weeks out.  If it is small enough you may wait it out to see if it resolves.  Drainage is usually successful with closed aspiration.  Sometimes a sclerosing agent such as sodium tetradecyl can be infused in the pocket.  These have a tendency to recur and it may require a couple of treatments.  For a seroma that is large, tender, or has stretched the skin it would likely require open exploration and excision of the "wall" of the seroma.  I have had to do this on a couple of occasions and am always surprised of the thickness of this wall and what a difference it makes in the contour after it is removed.

1 of 1 found this helpful
Helpful?
Contact the doctor
Back to “Recurring seroma formation after Tummy Tuck?”
Post your question
Email to friend
Permalink

Tummy tuck: 487 reviews

84% said it was worth it

Tummy tuck before & after photos

Tummy TuckTummy Tuck - After
View all 564 photos

Tummy tuck doctor answers

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.